“Lavender shelf” Nikolai Vasilenko: What is known about the businessman who became a meme

A video of Rostov businessman Nikolai Vasilenko went viral on a banned social network. His posts have three to four million views. It all started with a video of an entrepreneur talking about his scarf. The man was nicknamed the “lavender rack” for his beaming smile and good intentions.

Its popularity came in October and is still growing. In his videos, the entrepreneur encourages his subscribers to enjoy every day and savor every moment. “Good day, friends! What a beautiful autumn day; We smile, we smile at ourselves, we smile at the whole human world!” – Nikolay addresses his followers on his personal blog.

With the advent of fame, Vasilenko’s number of subscribers also increased. In the comments made to the videos, users admire the man’s charisma. Many became interested in the personal life of the Internet star. We have collected known information about the businessman who became a meme.

From soldiers to businessmen

Nikolai Vasilenko was born in 1969 in the city of Vinnitsa into a military family. In 1986 he entered the Missile Forces School in Rostov. However, he did not continue his career in the armed forces and went into business.

While still a cadet at the military school, he worked as a bartender at a local cafe. However, in the early 90s the organization was closed. Later, Nikolai and his friends donated 20 thousand rubles per person and opened an enterprise selling alcohol and more.

Over time, the aspiring entrepreneurs’ income increased and they were able to rent a small space for storage. Vasilenko told Vedomosti that large brands of alcoholic beverages began to come to them, as at that time they were considered the sole distributors of anything in the Rostov region.

What does Vin Diesel have to do with it?

Having gained the necessary connections and influence in the market, Nikolai Vasilenko, together with his partners, invented “vodka for Americans.” They started selling alcohol in California. The drink gained popularity abroad and was even featured in the movie “XxX” with Vin Diesel. One of the main negative characters in the images, the leader of a criminal gang, drinks large amounts of alcohol.

By the way, Nikolai did not like director Rob Cohen’s idea and went to court. The businessman demanded one million dollars (97.5 million rubles). Note ed.). The Rostov company did not receive any money, but the trial ended peacefully. Russian entrepreneurs were offered to supply alcohol to social events attended by Hollywood stars.

Vasilenko also introduced his alcohol to the Russian market. However, the alcoholic beverages business is no longer his own.

What is he doing now?

According to 161.ru, for the last five years Nikolai Vasilenko has been engaged in real estate rental and restaurant business. He owns a business in the center of Rostov that combines Russian and French cuisine, which he manages together with Vadim Kislyak.

personal life

Nikolai Vasilenko has a 29-year-old son named Mark. According to the businessman, the young man currently lives in South Africa and is engaged in buying and selling manganese ore. Nothing is known about the man’s mother.

However, the entrepreneur does not hide that he is in close contact with his ex-wife Ekaterina and shows her photos on social networks. And Nikolai’s ex-wife reciprocates: “My kindest, most courageous, reliable and sunny friend. “You know, Kolya, I’m proud of us that even after all these years we still value and appreciate each other.”

Vasilenko also shows Labrador Nicole and her mother Alla Konstantinovna on social networks. The businessman admits that he has been interested in poetry for a long time and dedicates his poem to a relative. She also loves choosing looks in the morning. According to Nikolai, an outfit takes 15-20 minutes. “I love fashion, this is my area of ​​interest. The entrepreneur shared in the Onegin Bulletin: My idol in this field is Tom Ford.